I first learned to fly on gliders out of Roanne, France (LFLO). I loved the purity of that form of flight, the magic of keeping a silent bird in the air for hours, travelling hundreds of miles and back home, with just the power of Mother Nature... and a winch to give the initial energy :) Birds of prey would keep us company in the updrafts, the sun would set over the foothills as we returned from a good flight...

But one thing that made me love aviation so much is the camaraderie, the spirit, the teamwork that existed in that flying club. Group meals organized and cooked at the last minute, the need to have multiple people working together to launch even just one glider, the hayballs-and-liner swimming pool built at the beginning of summer and the joyful yet safety-oriented mood that ran in everyone.

Among other things, when one reached 1000hr total time in gliders, he/she would celebrate by doing a "vol à poil" ( = a flight naked), a pun on "vol à voile" ( = soaring).

That is what we love about Aviation so much... the camaraderie. That is one thing that is often missing after years in the airline industry. And more so the more isolated the crew members become with home training.

No I didn't know this about the gliders. I'm liking it. And, I have a couple glider pilots that I must ask if they have celebrated their 1000 hour with a "vol a'poil"

Theres a story at my airline about a pilot who did a charter in one of our airplanes up to a northern british columbia destination. The company requested that after a saltwater landing that he stop at a freshwater lake to rinse off the floats. In doing so he decided to take a swim and afterwards thought he better get going so he flew halfway back home naked waiting to dry off so he could put his uniform back on. And I can't shake the thought every single time I fly that airplane haha.

Gives a new meaning to being one with the sky. Ha. There have been plenty of hot days when it was 110 degrees in the cockpit that I thought about this. But I hear satellites can see the name on water bottles, so I'm thinking you're never really alone in the sky.

Ha! With those two young ladies, it would be decidedly unsafe for either of use to fly in such a state: If they were, I could not attend to flying. If I was, their rolling laughter would make the airplane difficult to control. A light and wonderful post, Ms. Karlene, but let's keep it just slightly on th e p rofessional side when trying to drive airplanes. Yes, those young women are in the 10+ class. It almost makes me remember the 'porn' chapters in your first book; unnecessary filler, but I'm not objecting . Best wishes for a happy and painless editing process for your current book. It should be a lot easier this time. If one has a private tip about editing, where should it be sent? Without a doubt, this is my favorite flyer's blog; my best to you and your wonderfully supportive family. -C.

The story is... one of these young ladies shared a dream during a team building exercise that included a military jet and nakedness. As I was taking my group of girls around the OSH grounds, I found this booth in the Safety arena... SeeandAvoid.org. The sticker was priceless. As are the girls.

Where it should be sent. Email me. Because, there are line edits, story edits... and sometimes you need more than one. We'll talk... I'm learning to be efficient this time and yes... easier.

Also... Yes on the family blog!

And the gratuitous sex was for character development, and not story progression. But mine was definitely soft P... did you read 50 shades?

Hmmmm, some 'bodies' are much more aerodynamic than others. Then we must consider "parasitic drag" and the a more "aerodynamic body" would create much more induced drag as 'configuration' changes-which would be a drag considering how most planes are not built for comfort. These changes tend to be automatic-more an airbus thing than Boeing.

Then there is the question of 'Center of Gravity' and the shift that occurs-

I suggest Wind Tunnel Testing...and a re-think of what the "Right Stuff" is.